From dated to dazzling, we will make your property move-in ready with our expert renovations. Start with a free, no-obligation walk-through to craft a tenant-focused upgrade—covering everything from plumbing to fixtures. Our proven systems, skilled teams, and high-quality construction materials ensure a long-lasting, modern transformation that attracts quality tenants for years, boosting property value. Your project will finish on time and on budget.
Administrative
Chloe Moser: cmoser@RHAwa.org
Board Administrator
Jim Nell: jnell@RHAwa.org
Creative Director
Sisi Mereness: (206) 905-0605
Deputy Director
Melissa Canfield: (206) 905-0615
Engagement Coordinator
Daniel Bannon: (206) 905-0609
Engagement Coordinator
Daniel Klemme: (206) 905-0611
Marketing & Sales Associate
Luke Brown: (206) 905-0610
Program Director
Denise Myers: (206) 905-0614
Public Affairs Manager
Corey Hjalseth: (206) 905-0603
Support Services Administrator
Val Kushi: (206) 283-0816
Support
RHAwa.org/supportcenter Support
(Eastern WA Desk) Steve Wareham: (509) 535-1018
Submit Educational articles featured in Current must be between 500 and 1500 words, include an author bio, professional headshot and contact information. High-resolution (300 dpi) graphics and photos should be sent separately. Deadlines are generally 30 days before the issue date, which is the first of each month. The editors reserve the right to edit, revise, or reject any submitted material. Submit to publications@RHAwa.org.
Advertise For advertising information (rates, production specifications, and deadlines), contact Luke Brown: lbrown@RHAwa.org.
If you’ve ever wanted to be at the forefront of shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that impact rental housing across Washington State, now is your chance. RHAWA, the Rental Housing Association of Washington, is seeking dedicated, passionate individuals to step into leadership roles. This is more than just a volunteer position; it’s an opportunity to influence change, foster community, and help create a better future for renters, housing providers, and property managers alike. If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from tough questions, enjoys solving complex problems, and is eager to contribute your skills to a meaningful cause, then RHAWA needs you.
Serving as a board member or regent is an impactful way to give back to your community while advancing your professional and personal growth. In this position, you’ll have the chance to participate in setting the strategic direction of RHAWA, influence policy decisions, and support initiatives that benefit the entire rental housing industry. Your
voice will help shape advocacy efforts, educational programs, and industry standards that can make rental housing safer, more affordable, and more sustainable. Plus, you’ll become part of a network of like-minded professionals committed to making a difference.
What’s Involved? The Commitment & Responsibilities
Joining the RHAWA Board of Directors or Council of Regents isn’t just about attending meetings; it requires active participation, dedication, and a commitment to the organization’s mission. The Board meets twelve times a year, each session lasting up to three hours, making it manageable for busy professionals to stay engaged. Additionally, members of the Council of Regents (COR) meet quarterly.
RHAWA
Beyond meetings, Board and COR members are encouraged to participate in RHAWA events, conferences, and outreach activities, which are vital for networking, advocacy, and industry education. Rest assured, staff and fellow Board and COR members are committed to supporting new members through the process, helping them understand the ins and outs of policy setting and leadership.
RHAWA seeks individuals who demonstrate proven performance, commitment, and leadership potential. Successful candidates often have a track record of contributing to projects, programs, or initiatives — whether in property management, advocacy, or community service. A strong sense of
dedication to the organization’s mission and goals is essential, along with the willingness and ability to dedicate time to meetings and activities.
Effective teamwork and interpersonal skills are critical because leadership is a collaborative effort. Good judgment and integrity are non-negotiable; board members and regents may face difficult decisions that require balancing members’ interests with the organization’s larger mission. Additionally, communication skills and the ability to mentor and teach future leaders are highly valued, as board members and regents often serve as ambassadors and role models within their community.
While it’s important to recognize and represent specific interests or constituencies, effective leaders understand the
• Be willing to actively participate in RHAWA activities
If you're interested in pursuing a leadership role but haven't served on a committee yet, explore the available committees at RHAwa.org/committees to find the right fit for you.
Nominations for positions are open to all members in good standing, including self-nominations. If you believe you have what it takes to serve or know someone who does, now is the time to act. To apply, please email me directly at mcanfield@RHAwa.org to request an application. Once you have completed your application, submit it to me by August 31. If someone else is nominating you, be sure to include a
need to subordinate narrower concerns for the greater good of the organization. This kind of self-awareness, combined with sound decision-making, helps ensure RHAWA remains focused on its overarching goals of advocacy, education, and industry excellence.
To be eligible for a seat on the RHAWA Board of Directors or Council of Regents, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be over the age of 18
• Have been a voting member in good standing, or the designated voting representative of an entity member, for at least one year prior to the election
• Have served on a standing committee for at least one year before their Council of Regents election and have served on the Council of Regents for at least one year before their Board election
• Reside in Washington State and own rental housing within the state
The four Residential lease/agreement forms found at RHAwa.org/rental-forms-leases-notices#Section2 were revised on June 11, 2025 to include the changes listed below:
Washington Single-Family Rental Agreement
Washington Single-Family Term Lease
Washington Multi-Family Rental Agreement
Washington Multi-Family Term Lease
• Sections 1, 2, and 26(A)(2): Changed to 90-day notice required to increase rent in compliance with EBH 1217 (WA 2025). A statement allowing for longer requirements under local laws is included.
• Section 12: Clarify language on guests and unauthorized occupants.
• Section 23: Added statement that the landlord must be listed as “additional interest” on the renter’s insurance so they will be notified of any policy change.
• Section 26(A)(11): Added clause that the tenant must notify the landlord if the premises will be vacant for more than 7 days.
• Section 26(A)(12): Added clause about the tenant’s responsibility to allow landlord entry to premises and potential ramifications if the tenant denies.
• Section 26(B)(5) and 26(C)(4): Updated non-smoking policy to include vaping, e-cigarettes, and other odor-causing products.
• Section 26(C)(9): Cite federal code on satellite clause in lease. 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000 fcc.gov/media/over-air-reception-devices-rule.
The MHC Rental Agreement form found at RHAwa.org/mhc-leases-forms was revised to comply with EBH 1217 (WA 2025) as follows:
• Section 7: Late Fee requirements
• Section 8: Deposit requirements
brief statement explaining why you are a great candidate.
Leadership opportunities like this don’t come around every day. Serving on the RHAWA Board or Council of Regents allows you to develop new skills, expand your professional network, and directly influence policies that affect thousands of rental housing providers and tenants throughout Washington. Your expertise, dedication, and voice can help RHAWA navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities for growth and improvement.
If you’re ready to step up, make a difference, and be part of something bigger, don’t hesitate. Submit your application today and take the first step toward shaping the future of rental housing in Washington State. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient industry, and your leadership could be the catalyst for that change.
Always download the latest version to stay in compliance.
Please contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org or (260) 905-0614 with any questions or comments. We are always seeking to improve our materials and appreciate your feedback.
Denise Myers
| Program Director | dmyers@RHAwa.org | (206) 905-0614
All class sessions are presented online only unless otherwise specified.
For all ONLINE classes, 30-day access to a recording of the session is included. Subscribe to the Class Pass for 12-months' access to live weekly ONLINE classes for $250 AND/OR subscribe to our complete ONDEMAND Library for $25/month or $120/year at RHAwa.org/products/education
When: Wednesday, July 2 | 1-4pm
Cost: $30 Members | $200 Guests
With every renewal, WA Real Estate licensees must complete this 3-hour Washington Real Estate Fair Housing course that digs deep into the historical and societal context and legal framework of Fair Housing in the state of Washington. We will also explore the role of the broker and managing broker in multiple situations related to real estate sales and property management. Instructors Michael Chin, Enforcement Director for Seattle Office of Civil Rights, and experienced managing broker, Kathryn Shabalov, will co-teach the class.
Casual member meetings with topical discussions. No fee, simply order and pay for food at restaurant venues. The July topic will be Insurance Workshop: Vendor Spotlight
• Cecilia, Vancouver | Tuesday, July 8, 6-7:30pm (New!)
• Claim Jumper, Tukwila | Tuesday, July 8, 6:30-8pm
• St. Andrews Pub, Seattle | Thursday, July 10, 6-8pm
• Dave & Buster’s, Bellevue | Tuesday, July 15, 6-8pm
• Ben Dews Clubhouse Grill, Tacoma | July 17, 6-7:30pm
• Bob’s Burgers, Everett | Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8pm
• Darcy’s, Spokane Valley | Monday, June 21, 12-1:30pm
*Meeting time and subject may change. Please check the calendar at RHAwa.org/events.
When: Wednesday, July 9 | 3-4:30pm
Cost: $30 Members | $200 Guests
Under Washington law, before obtaining any information about a prospective tenant, you must give them your screening criteria notice. It must indicate what information you will access, what criteria may result in denial, and other specific details about any consumer report you may use. Using this notice will assist you in effectively screening out high-risk tenants while following all fair housing laws and rental regulations. Attorney Chris Benis will review the laws and best practices for writing criteria based on key terms of your rental agreement, income, rental history, financial history, criminal and civil court records, and other important factors. Both effective and cautionary examples will be shared.
When: Thursday, July 17 | 2-3pm
Cost: $30 Members | $200 Guests
Giving routine rent increases is a necessary part of the rental housing business to cover ever-increasing costs and save funds for capital maintenance projects in the future. New 2025 laws have made this process confusing and costly. In this one-hour class, attorney Christopher Cutting will review the laws and best practices for securing and processing lease renewals, giving notice to increase rent in compliance with new state and local laws, and charging and collecting fees appropriately.
When: Thursday, July 24 | 2-3:30pm
Cost: $30 Members | $60 Guests
Learn how to structure and manage your rental properties through a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for maximum protection and profitability. This class covers the benefits of using an LLC, legal considerations, tax advantages, asset protection strategies, and compliance requirements. Julie Martiniello explains best practices for forming an LLC, managing finances, and maintaining proper documentation to safeguard your investments. Whether you're a new or experienced property owner, this course provides essential insights to help you minimize risk, streamline operations, and build your legacy in real estate investment.
When: Thursday, July 31 | 3-4pm
Cost: $30 Members | $60 Guests
Do you have properties in Tukwilla you need to register? Are you concerned about the inspection process? Do you have any questions about how it all works? Licensed rental inspector Lisa Lotus will walk us through the registration process, a typical inspection, and what happens if you need to make corrections. A city program representative will join us to help answer your questions.
See the RHA PAC Endorsed Short List on pages 8-9
With the dust settling from the year’s legislative session, election and fundraising season is now in full swing. For readers who are not aware, RHAWA has its own political action committee, or “PAC”. Ours is aptly titled RHA PAC. The RHA PAC over a multitude of years has raised and donated money to help elect candidates to every level of office across Washington state. The most important protection for our industry involves electing and building relationships with politicians who understand the importance and value of the rental housing industry. RHA PAC works to elect candidates who recognize rental housing as a valuable asset to communities, share a strong commitment to allowing rental housing to function as a market-based industry, and a willingness to work with the rental housing industry toward the common goal of providing safe and healthy housing.
Every year, the RHA PAC sends out questionnaires to interested individuals running for elected office. Our questionnaire contains many prompts regarding opinions on ways forward for rental housing policy, housing supply, and other regulatory matters for the local and state levels. If an individual is interested in filling out an RHA PAC Questionnaire for consideration, reach out to me at chjalseth@RHAwa. org. Once we receive a complete questionnaire, we will perform a brief candidate interview where we discuss some of their answers and then decide whether the RHA PAC believes this candidate will align and pursue pragmatic housing policy that makes sense for everyone.
The RHA PAC endorses a small handful of exemplary candidates each year, but even if an endorsement is not received, our Voter’s Guide will help suggest candidates that we believe will move rental housing policy in a positive direction. During this entire process, the RHA PAC will also donate money to various campaigns to assist with their outreach and marketing, to give a helping hand in their campaigns. Yard signs, mailers, food for volunteers, and website upkeep. All these things cost money, and to run an effective campaign, candidates rely on donations so they can spend the majority of their time knocking on doors and connecting with voters in their area. RHA PAC also holds fundraisers throughout the spring and summer for our officially endorsed candidates.
The odd-year elections usually fall by the wayside for many voters. Voter turnout is usually around half of say a presidential election. I urge our readers to stay involved even in the off-year elections. These are the years when many important local positions are filled that will affect your community directly. This year, Washington has a huge number of city and county council races, a multitude of mayoral races, and a few extremely important state senate special elections. With how close the vote count was on the rent control bill this year in the senate, a few extra votes could change the entire trajectory of housing legislation.
If we want to change housing policy in Washington for the better, we require the election of lawmakers who will go to bat for our industry and will stand up and say no to policy that, while it may have a feel good message on the surface, but will result in less and more expensive rental housing.
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Primary Election - Ballots mailed out
Primary Election - Ballots must be postmarked or deposited in a drop box by 8pm
General Election - Ballots mailed
General Election - Ballots must be postmarked or deposited in a drop box by 8pm
the short list of city & county council races as well as pivotal state senate special elections.
With the primary election coming up in the first week of August, we wanted to be sure to include some of the important races from around the state. Make sure to take a look at some of the statewide special elections, county and city council races, as well as a few key mayoral elections. Look for the full RHA PAC Voter’s Guide in late July. Please note that a candidate’s inclusion on this list does not necessarily mean an endorsement from the RHA PAC.
A
Submissions
Corey Hjalseth | External Affairs Manager | chjalseth@RHAwa.org | (206) 905-0603
If you have driven through Issaquah, then you have seen properties owned and operated by Rowley Properties. Whether they are commercial, mixeduse, or residential, the Rowley family has been involved in the development of Issaquah for four generations. For the most recent episode of Housing Matters I spoke with Kristi Tripple, who is the Vice President of Community Development for Rowley. If her name or face looks familiar to our readers, it’s because she has spent a great deal of time testifying before various committees on housing-related issues over the last number of years.
Our discussion covered many topics, including community development, housing policy, and the history of Rowley Properties.
Given the length of time Rowley Properties has been in Issaquah, the family ownership has seen many changes in environmental regulations, permitting, and building materials. The building that is Rowley’s headquarters took one week to get its permits cleared when the building was originally constructed in the 1970s. The first apartment building from the 1970s… two weeks. Kristi highlighted the stark contrast in our regulatory environment using permitting as an example:
“We looked at doing a comprehensive neighborhood stormwater project. It was in active permitting for seven years. So, 14 different jurisdictions with oversight of that permit, including the city of Issaquah. When we started actively permitting with the city in 2018, it was around $6 million. By the time we were ready to pull construction permits for approval in 2025, that cost was exponential. And it's sad because we're not able to build that. Because that would have allowed us to be more efficient with the land and be able to build more housing, more commercial office space,
because it's really important to build where development belongs.”
This illustrates the frustration many builders and developers have in Washington state. Between the purchase of a property and when a shovel is put in the ground can take years. During that
time, the developer must sit on that loan and that property while waiting out the regulatory process.
Over the last number of years, Kristi has joined RHAWA and other housing and development organizations in Olympia during legislative sessions.
When you own land & you have a responsibility to the community, you also have a responsibility to share your voice, and I think as citizens and as businesses, we need to do that because our elected leaders-super smart, work hard, have support, but not everybody can know everything.
– Kristi Tripple
With the slew of new housing policies coming from the state legislature over the last six or seven years, real estate professionals knew they had to work to be a part of the solution. The key was educating legislators and trying to impress on them how the policies they were considering would truly affect everyday housing operations and development.
“When you own land and you have a responsibility to the community, you also have a responsibility to share your voice, and I think as citizens and as businesses, we need to do that because our elected leaders-super smart, work hard, have support, but not everybody can know everything. And you can't be all things to all people, and so, if we can help educate or share stories that maybe help result in better policy, that's the right thing to do.”
Continued on page 34
Dear RHAWA Member,
Every day, families across Washington are at risk of losing their homes due to shortsighted housing policies. As housing providers, we carry the responsibility of helping maintain community stability. One of our members, John, captured it well:
“Asahousingprovider,I’vehadtochoosebetweenmaintainingmypropertiesandkeepingrentsaffordable.Thesedecisionsweigh heavilyonmyconsciencewhilefamiliesstruggletostayintheirhomes.”
Now more than ever, our role—and our voice—matters.
RHAWA has been a steadfast advocate against harmful legislation, most recently opposing the passage of Rent Control in the form of Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 1217. Early in the 2025 legislative session, progressive lawmakers rushed this bill through, prioritizing rent caps over real solutions to address supply and affordability. Despite expert warnings and our collective opposition. The bill ultimately passed caps annual rent increases at 7% plus CPI inflation or 10%, whichever is lower for residential properties, and an egregious hard cap of 5% on manufactured homes.
Make no mistake—EHB 1217 poses a serious threat to the future of our housing market. It could reduce available rental housing, dis- courage new development, and accelerate the deterioration of existing properties—all while driving up long-term costs.
With the likelihood of continued legislative pressure in future sessions such as a lowering of the percentage cap, increase in property taxes, or vacancy control, our advocacy has never been more urgent. We must stay engaged, informed, and united in protecting the interests of housing providers and the stability of our communities.
RHAWA’s
In response to the challenges of the 2025 legislative session, RHAWA has undergone a strategic transformation—expanding our team and strengthening our media and government affairs capabilities. Key initiatives include:
• Housing Policy Education: Hosted events to educate lawmakers and candidates on critical housing issues, fostering dialogue and raising awareness of the challenges facing housing providers and renters.
• Media Campaign: Raised nearly $300,000 and reached over 4.1 million people through a targeted campaign, including the launch of SmartHousingSolutionsWA.org and impactful anti-rent control commercials.
• RHAWA IS the voice of our industry in the media. When news publications are covering a housing-centric topic, they call RHA.
• Legislative Collaboration: Worked with lawmakers to develop policies focused on preserving rental housing and promoting affordability across income levels.
• Coalition Advocacy: Led a diverse coalition in opposing HB 1217 through a widely supported open letter to state leaders.
• Lawmaker Engagement: Conducted 115+ meetings with legislators, featuring both independent housing providers and top developers across Washington.
For over 90 years, RHAWA has championed property rights and stood firm against harmful policy. Our recent efforts mark a significant step forward in our advocacy. With rent control now enacted, preserving the 7% plus CPI cap and advocating for statewide policy consistency is more urgent than ever.
To guide future legislative efforts, we are commissioning a statewide housing survey to establish a baseline on the impact of rent control. Continued unity and engagement are essential as we work to reshape both state and local leadership.
Shape the Future of Housing: Your Vote Matters
With the legislative session behind us, attention now turns to the critical November General Election—elections that will shape Washington’s housing future. Key statewide races include Michelle Caldier (R, District 26) for State Senate, Kevin Schilling (D, District 33) for House of Representatives, and Amy Walen (D, District 48) for State Senate. At the local level, pivotal contests such as Sara Nelson’s re-election to the Seattle City Council and John Hines’ bid for Tacoma Mayor, to Jonathan Bingle being re-elected to the Spokane City Council are just as impactful.
From Seattle to Spokane, poorly crafted housing policies are threatening community stability and public safety. Electing leaders who understand the urgency of the housing crisis is essential.
Key Election Deadlines:
• Primary: August 5, 2025
• Voter Registration Deadline: October 8, 2025
• Ballots Mailed: October 16, 2025
• Election Day: November 7, 2025
Washington faces a projected shortage of 1.1 million homes by 2044. This is not just a crisis—it’s a defining moment. We must support leaders who prioritize practical, effective housing solutions that ensure access, affordability, and safety. Your vote is more than a civic duty—it’s a catalyst for change. Vote for candidates who will safeguard our communities and support smart housing policy.
Take Action Now: Your Support Matters Now is not the time for complacency. Your support is essential to advancing candidates who understand the complexities of our housing market and are committed to real solutions.
Here’s how you can make an impact today:
• Support Our PAC: Every contribution—whether $50, $100, or more—directly supports candidates aligned with our mission. Donate by scanning the QR Code below, or at RHAwa.org/pacdonate, or complete the enclosed form to return by email or mail. Your support fuels critical outreach and advocacy efforts.
• Attend ENGAGE25: Join us October 22–23, 2025, at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue for two days of in-depth policy discussions and networking with housing advocates. Learn more at ENGAGEWA.com.
Together, we can shape a stronger, more stable future for housing in Washington.
With gratitude,
William Shadbolt | RHA PAC Co-Chair
Rental Housing Association of Washington
Larry Crites | RHA PAC Co-Chair
Rental Housing Association of Washington
P.S. Your donation to the RHAWA PAC directly supports candidates who stand for practical housing solutions and protect the rights of housing providers. Every dollar strengthens our advocacy and helps push back against damaging legislation like EHB 1217. SCAN the QR code below to contribute today—your support makes a real difference.
Daniel Klemme | Membership Development & Government Affairs | dklemme@RHAwa.org | (206) 905-0611
In an era when housing providers face mounting regulations, narrowing margins, and a cultural climate increasingly skeptical of private ownership, it is easy to become reactive or, worse yet, disengaged. Yet every age has its steady hands, those who have seen systems rise and fall and weathered crises without compromising their core values. Steve Corker stands as one of those steady hands.
A former Spokane City Council member, longtime rental housing provider, Stanford University graduate, retired executive, former Gonzaga University instructor, public servant, RHAWA Regent, father, and husband, Steve offers far more than anecdotes. He offers wisdom—the kind earned through decades of dedicated presence, persistent advocacy, and the choice to lead when stepping back might have been easier.
In this conversation, we reflect on a lifetime of providing housing, resilience amid political and economic uncertainty, advocacy as both civic duty and a means of protecting one’s livelihood, and why, at the age of 84, Steve continues to view housing not merely as a business transaction, but as an essential role within the community for people of all income levels.
For those just entering this business, considering leaving it, or simply searching for the words to articulate the meaning and responsibility of their work, this interview offers both a meditation and a powerful call to steadiness and preparation for change.
Daniel Klemme:
You’ve been a rental housing provider and investor in your community for decades. How have you seen the role of being a housing provider evolve over time?
Steve Corker:
My focus has always been on the
lower-income rental market, and I’ve seen how much that space has changed. More and more, small landlords are the ones who end up dealing with complex challenges their tenants face—whether it’s domestic violence, alcoholism, serious health issues like cancer, or mental illness.
One of the things I’m proudest of is how we built relationships between housing providers and social agencies. Those partnerships have been crucial in mentoring landlords who are navigating those challenges. Whether it’s working with Goodwill and veterans, the YWCA and domestic violence, or with agencies dealing with substance use and mental health, we’ve come a long way in realizing that landlords aren’t social workers. But we can’t ignore that this work often gets put on our shoulders.
That’s one part of the job: trying to keep people in their homes. The other part is advocacy—protecting the industry from well-intentioned but harmful government incursions that make things more difficult for everyone. Because I served on the Spokane City Council, I had insight into how local government works, and I used that experience to help our industry navigate the system.
Sometimes that meant filling the city council chambers with landlords. Other times, it meant sitting on housing policy committees to make sure landlords actually had a seat at the table. Honestly, I think we were able to delay some of the policies we’re now seeing in Olympia and Seattle for about eight years. That’s probably the second thing I’m most proud of: standing up for landlords and making sure we were heard.
Daniel Klemme:
Looking back on your long career providing housing, do you think being
involved in advocacy helped you stay resilient during difficult legislative cycles or major market disruptions? I know you’ve been through 2007 and 2008, and now all the new housing laws. Do you think staying involved helped you stay in the game and continue renting out your homes?
Steve Corker:
One of the most significant decisions we made early on, back in the 2000s, was to avoid entering the rental market with the burden of mortgage liabilities. That gave us a huge advantage. It meant we could survive COVID and weather most of the recent legislative storms, especially those tied to the Housing First movement, which really reshaped public policy.
The other thing that helped was understanding just how slow the government moves. Policy changes can take months or even years. If you’re not prepared for that, it can be incredibly frustrating. But because I had experience in local government, I knew how the process worked. That gave me patience and perspective.
With financial flexibility and a clear understanding of the public process, I had the tools to stay steady through the challenges our industry has faced over the last decade.
Daniel Klemme:
That’s a great segue, because right now we’ve got about 6,000 members at RHAWA, and not all of them are plugged in yet. What advice would you give to housing providers who are afraid to “rock the boat” or attract unwanted attention by speaking out? Whether it’s someone with just one or two rentals or someone managing several units fulltime, what would you say to housing providers who are nervous about getting involved in advocacy?
Steve Corker:
You’ve got to find a champion—someone who can represent your concerns and speak on your behalf. Not everyone is comfortable standing up at a microphone or writing a letter to an elected official, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room. But you do need to connect with the people who are already speaking up, like the leadership at RHAWA.
Personally, I had the benefit of having been an elected official, so I was used to dealing with public pressure, the media, and the bureaucracy of government. That experience helped me step into the role of a spokesperson. But for anyone who isn’t comfortable with that, the good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
Spending time with other active landlords makes a big difference. You’ll find that your own skills improve as you go. Maybe it starts with writing a letter to the editor or sending a clear and respectful email to your legislator. Over time, you might even develop the confidence to speak publicly. The important thing is to take that first step, because your voice matters.
Daniel Klemme:
Yeah, I totally agree. And with the passing of rent control, I know a lot of people are feeling discouraged. It feels like there’s a constant wave of policy changes coming at housing providers. Do you have any advice for people who feel like giving up, selling their properties, or exiting the industry altogether? What do you think they need to hear right now?
Steve Corker:
My wife and I have had that conversation. We’ve sat down and asked ourselves, “Is this pressure really worth it
Continued on page 33
lbrown@RHAwa.org |
ENGAGE25 is set to be our largest and most influential event yet, offering sponsors unparalleled exposure to a highly engaged audience - an estimated 500 rental property owners, developers, management professionals, lawmakers, and other important industry stakeholders across Washington! By joining us as a sponsor, you’ll showcase your brand in a space where innovation meets opportunity, aligning your company with the forefront of rental housing solutions.
Date: October 22-23, 2025
opportunities, and more for housing professionals. It’s set to be RHAWA’s largest and most influential event yet, making it a premier forum for innovation in Washington’s rental housing industry.
Time: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Meydenbauer Center Bellevue, WA
Sponsorship Levels:
400+ attendees are expected at EN GAGE25, including rental property owners, developers, property manag ers, lawmakers, and other key stake holders across Washington, giving sponsors unparalleled exposure to a highly engaged audience. It’s a chance to elevate your brand among deci sion-makers and position your compa ny at the forefront of housing solutions.
To secure your spot, complete the next page and email it to lbrown@rhawa.org, or click here to register online.
Exclusive Sponsorship Benefits
As a sponsor, you gain valuable benefits
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It is a best practice for housing providers to adjust rent regularly, keeping rents in the range of the area market rate. Housing providers that keep rents lower than the market rate in order to keep long-term tenants will quickly find themselves in a situation where they need to contribute money to the property for ongoing maintenance, and to cover increasing operating costs such as taxes, insurance, and administration, like having to serve notices via Certified Mail!
It is important to create and document your rent increase policies to follow all state and local government regulations on increasing rent. First, let’s look at the new and existing laws that govern rent increases across the state, then go over the steps and best practices for giving rent increases.
RENT INCREASE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES:
RCW 59.18.140 + EHB 1217 (WA 2025); and 59.12.040 + EHB 1003 (WA 2025)
1. Definition: "Rent" or "rental amount" means recurring and periodic charges identified in the rental agreement for the use and occupancy of the premises, which may include charges for utilities. This does not include non-recurring charges for costs due to late payment, damages, deposits, legal costs, or other fees, including attorneys' fees. (RCW 59.18.030)
2. Minimum notice for rent increase is 90 days.
• If the rental agreement governs a subsidized tenancy where the amount of rent is based on the income of the tenant or circumstances specific to the subsidized household, a landlord shall provide a minimum of thirty days' prior written notice of an increase in the amount of rent to each affected tenant.
3. Any increase in the amount of rent may not become effective before the completion of the term of the rental agreement.
4. You must use a specific rent increase notice form included in the statute,
EHB 1217 (WA 2025). The RHAWA Rent Increase Notice complies with the statute.
5. No rent increase can be given in the first 12 months of tenancy. Per the new statutory form, but not actually spelled out in law, only one rent increase can be given in any 12-month period after the first 12-month period.
6. Rent increase notice must be served like an eviction notice per RCW 59.12.040. (See “Serving Notices Under New Law” on page 27.)
7. New service requirements effective 7/27/2025 under HB 1003 require mailing by Certified Mail, although no longer within the same County.
8. Rent increase is limited to 7% + Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10%, whichever is less, per 12-month period. For each calendar year, the CPI number to be referenced will be selected and announced by the Department of Commerce (DOC) at www.commerce.wa.gov/housing-policy/hb1217-landlord-resource-center/ on June 1. The current cap for residential rentals through 12/31/2025 is 10%.
9. The law prohibits offering any incentives based on length of term or month-tomonth status other than a 5% difference in monthly rent amount. If offering an incentive in an existing tenancy, the higher offer must conform with the rent increase limit, 7% + CPI.
Note: The tenant should give a “notice to cure” to the landlord who increases rent unlawfully. Even without, AG can still bring enforcement action, including refunding rent, penalties up to 3 months’ rent, a $7500 fine per infraction, attorney fees, and court costs.
If you have a term lease, you cannot unilaterally raise the rent mid-term. To require a tenant to sign a lease renewal rather than going into a month-to-month tenancy,
RCW 59.18.650(1) stipulates that you serve an “end of term” notice at least 60 days prior to the end of the term. Per the End of Term Notice, the tenant must sign before the end of the term, or they must vacate.
Under EHB 1217 in effect on 5/7/2025, if the lease renewal offer includes a rent increase, notice of that increase must be served 90 days before the end of the term.
If an extended rent increase notice is required under a local government law, the rent increase notice should be given first, and then the lease renewal with a copy of the rent increase notice form attached. Use the RHAWA form, End of Term Notice with Lease Extension , following the provided instructions.
Even though we now have statewide rent control, RCW 35.21.830 still prohibits cities or counties in Washington from implementing their own rent increase caps. However, several local governments have enacted laws that require extended notice periods for rent increases and other measures intended to complicate the process for increasing rent.
The most ubiquitous rent increase rule that will still be in effect on top of the new state law is “Any total rent increase greater than 3% requires 120 days’ notice.” This rule applies in the cities of Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Port Townsend, Redmond, SeaTac, and Woodinville, plus all unincorporated areas of King County.
The next most common additional rule is “Any total rent increase greater than 5% requires 120 days’ notice,” adopted by the cities of Auburn, Olympia, and Tumwater.
And a few more cities have their own unique set of rules:
• City of Bellingham: Any total rent increase requires 120 days’ notice. If the total rent increase is 8% or more over a 12-month rolling period, the notice shall include a number of additional details, including a rationale for the rent increase and information about Bellingham’s Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance (EDRA) program.
• City of Seattle: Any rent increase requires 180 days’ notice. If the postal service used for mailing notice requires a signature, notice must also be sent by regular first-class mail. If the increase is for 10%, the notice must also include Seattle’s EDRA Notice.
• City of Shoreline:
- “Base Rent” means a recurring and periodic charge identified in the rental agreement for use and occupancy of a dwelling or dwelling unit. Base Rent may include charges for utilities, but does not include those charges defined as Optional Rent.
- “Optional Rent” means recurring and periodic charges identified in the rental agreement that are not required for use and occupancy but that a tenant voluntarily agrees to, such as charges for a parking space or a pet.
- “Rent” means the total combined amount of Base Rent and Optional Rent.
- Any “Base Rent” increase greater than 3% but less than 10% requires 120 days written notice.
- Any “Base Rent” increase of 10% requires 180 days’ notice.
- Any “Optional Rent” increase of any amount requires at least 60 days’ prior written notice to each affected tenant. (New state law increases this to 90 days.)
• City of Spokane: 120-day notice for rent increase equal to or less than 3%; 180-day notice for increase greater than 3%.
• City of Tacoma: Use the RHAWA form complying with State law and also use the forms provided by the City of Tacoma at https://www.cityoftacoma. org/government/city_departments/ equity_and_human_rights/rental_housing_code/landlord_resources and outlined by RHAWA at https://www.rhawa.org/rent-increase-notices-tacoma.
NOTE: Several local governments have laws that are the same as the new state law (e.g., RCW 59.12.040 service required) or are superseded by more tenant-friendly state law (e.g., allowances for rent increases greater than 10%). These obsolete regulations have been omitted from the above to avoid confusion.
The City of Burien rescinded BMC 5.63.100- Rent increases on May 19, 2025. Basic Steps and Best Practices
If using fixed-term leases, create reminders on your calendar prompting you to serve rent increase notices and lease renewal offers in time to align with the end of the current term. Remember the minimum is now 90 days, and it may be much more based on any relevant local laws (see details above).
Determine the amount of rent increase within the range of the market rate and ideally covering all anticipated operational expenses. Make sure it does not exceed the state-wide cap, which is 10% through the end of 2025. Consider whether the amount will invoke additional local law requirements that you want to avoid
It’s a good idea to email tenants in advance, informing them of the increase, potentially offering reasons for the increase, and explaining the new legal requirement for service so they are not alarmed by the process.
You may try setting an appointment so you can serve each tenant by placing the notice in their hand - this removes the onerous requirements for mailing. The meeting could be an annual routine, including a discussion about any maintenance issues. Perhaps do an annual M&R inspection before the meeting.
Note: This practice may not work as well for serving a default notice when the tenant is breaking rules or not paying rent, but for a routine renewal/rent increase, you might want to give it a try.
If you cannot meet with all tenants personally, serve with one of the other options, which all include mailing. See page 26 for detailed instructions.
Remember, do not do any rent increases during the first year of tenancy, and for now, only do one increase per 12-month period (this may change — fingers crossed!).
If no rent increase is needed on a lease renewal and you are enforcing fixed lease terms, send a lease renewal offer with more than 90 days’ notice. If the tenant does not sign, serve an End of Term Notice with Lease Renewal (RHAWA form). If they do not sign in 30 days, you can reinforce this by serving an End of Tenancy Notice (RHAWA form) with selected cause k. Resident fails to sign a new rental agreement, etc. by the end of the term (make sure to email some reminders), you can have your attorney proceed with an unlawful detainer. You can change nonrent related rules at lease renewal, or in a month-to-month tenancy using a 30-day Rules Change in Terms of Tenancy Notice.
RCW 59.18.240 prohibits the landlord from retaliation or making reprisals against the tenant in response to the tenant doing anything that was within their rights to do. Retaliatory actions include rent increases. RCW 59.18.250 states that if a landlord takes an adverse action (such as a rent increase) within 90 days of a tenant exercising their rights, such as making a fair housing complaint, there is a rebuttable presumption that the landlord is guilty of retaliation, and the burden of proof is on the landlord. Similarly, a landlord could be accused of "economic eviction" if they raise rent excessively with the intention of forcing people to move out. Therefore, it is very important to only give rent increases using fair and consistent practices based upon nondiscriminatory, nonretaliatory business needs and rental market trends. It is also important to document your rent increase practices in case you need to respond to a retaliation complaint.
Formal legal advice and review are recommended prior to the selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.
5%
In Washington’s 2025 legislative session, two bills ended up having a huge impact on housing, both residential rentals and manufactured/mobile housing communities (MHC). While HB 1003 impacted both types of housing exactly the same, HB 1217 has several sections – some for MHC and some for Residential. There are both unique and overlapping laws. This article clarifies the differences to eliminate confusion between the two. It also summarizes the new MHC laws and some little-known local laws that affect MHCs and Residentials equally.
HB 1003 Notice Service
Effective July 27, 2025 Affects Residential and Manufactured/ Mobile law equally.
• Revises RCW 59.12.040, which governs service of notices related to eviction.
• Notices no longer need to be mailed from the same county.
• Changes the type of mail used from first-class to certified.
• Requires an actual “due date” on the notice.
• Requires 5-day allowance for mailing.
HB 1217 Rent Control Effective May 7, 2025 Affects Residential and Manufactured/Mobile law differently, with some overlap.
• Limits rent increase to 5%.
• Move-in deposits/fees capped at one month's rent, two months' w/pets.
• Late rent fees are limited on a scale based on the number of months late: 1 month = 2% 2 months = 3% 3 or more = 5%
• Discount rate for fixed term can't exceed 5%. MHC
• Both must use a statutory rent increase form (unique for each) and serve notice per RCW 59.12.040
• Enforcement from the AG’s Office by tenant complaint.
• No increase in the first 12 months (existing rule for MHC).
• Limits rent increase to 7% + CPI.
• Increases notice to 90 days.
MHC MOVE-IN COST CAPS
• If the tenant moves in without pets, move-in fees and deposits combined cannot exceed one month’s rent.
• If the tenant moves in with pets, move-in fees and deposits combined cannot exceed two months’ rent.
• This does not apply to any tenancies that began prior to May 7, 2025.
Related Local Law Requirements
• Move-in fees and deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent:
- City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
- City of Kirkland .......... (KMC 7.75)
- City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
- City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
- City of Woodinville ...... (WMC 8.16)
- King County (KCC 12.25.040-140)
MHC LATE RENT FEE CAP
• Late rent fees are limited on a scale based on the number of months late:
- 1 month ...................... = 2%
- 2 months = 3%
- 3 or more = 5%
Related Local Law Requirements
• Fees or costs shall not exceed 2% of one month’s rent.
- City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
• Fees or costs shall not exceed 1.5% of one month’s rent.
- City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
- City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
- King County ............... (KCC 12.25.040-140)
MHC RENT INCREASE CAP AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
Any rent increase notice that did not take effect prior to May 7th must have complied with the following, or is invalid and should be served AGAIN under new regulations, including…
• Annual rent increase must not exceed 5%.
• Notices to increase rent must be served per 59.12.040 like an eviction notice. See “Serving Notices Under New Law” on page 26 for new procedures on serving notices.
• Statutory form must be used for all rent increases detailed in HB 1217 for MHC properties.
Related Local Law Requirements
• Any total rent increase greater than 3% requires 120 days' notice.
- City of Issaquah (IMC 5.52)
- City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
- City of Kirkland .......... (KMC 7.75)
- City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
- City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
- City of Woodinville ...... (WMC 8.16)
- King County (KCC 12.25.040-140)
Formal legal advice and review are recommended prior to the selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.
Under HB 1003, certified mail is required when in-person delivery of a notice is not successful. However, proof of delivery is not required. The statute provides that:
“When a copy of notice is sent through the mail, as provided in this section, service shall be deemed complete when such copy is deposited in the United States mail.”
This can be done by handwriting each label out on this form that can be picked up from the post office. The postage charge for Certified mail is currently $4.95.
To comply with this requirement, we are using certified mail labels created through Stamps.com. These labels are available both through their website and on Amazon (links below). We opted to purchase through Amazon due to next-day delivery availability. Stamps. com does not charge any additional fees beyond the cost of the label (about $0.40 per envelope).
• Efficiency: Labels can be generated directly from an .csv file (which excel can create), which eliminates the need for handwritting labels and receipts.
• Accuracy: Automating the label creation reduces the likelihood of errors.
• Documentation: Each mailing creates a clear paper trail, including receipts, which may be useful in court to demonstrate proper service in compliance with RCW 59.12.017.
• Penalty Avoidance: Proper service helps reduce the risk of the $7,500 penalty outlined in the new rent stabilization bill, EHB 1217 (WA 2025)
• Convenience: The label includes a receipt portion that can be affixed directly to the Declaration of Service for recordkeeping.
Certified mail service is required for most notices, including:
• 10-Day Comply or Vacate Notices (1 per lessee and 1 for all other occupants)
• 14/30 Day Notices to Pay or Vacate (1 per lessee and 1 for all other occupants)
• Rent Increase Notices (1 per lessee)
• Lease Renewal Offers (1 per lessee)
You can view and click on the links below using our online copy of CURRENT. This can be found on our website (rhawa.org) under the Media page.
Big thank you to the member author of this article who wanted to share their findings with their peers! RHAWA welcomes member submissions for the CURRENT Newspaper. Feel free to reach out to any staff member if you are interested in contributing to CURRENT.
Stamps.com: store.stamps.com/products/certified-3710
Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0DHBM1TDD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
1217 Bill: lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/ Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1217.SL.pdf?q=20250602082813
1003 Bill: awfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/ Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1003.SL.pdf?q=20250602070926
Declaration of Service: RHAwa.org/file/secure/ form-service-instructions-and-declaration.pdf
We encourage you to consider the vendors found within these listings for your rental business needs. When seeking competitive bids, be sure to mention your RHAWA membership as many offer member discounts. RHAWA does not specifically endorse any business listed herein. References are always recommended. If you would like to submit a customer testimonial for our records, please submit to publications@RHAwa.org. Please note that changes made to a vendor member profile will not be reflected in the CURRENT Vendor Listings unless the change is also sent to
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Seattle Rental Inspection Services (RRIO) (206) 854-0390 seattlerentalinspectionservices.com
Taurus Home Inspections
Lisa Lotus | WA State Home Inspector #2261 (206) 676-0023 | taurushomeinspections.com
Brent Ward State Farm Insurance (425) 488-9100 | (888) 532-1875
brentwardagency.com
CalRose Insurance
calroseinsurance@calroseins.com (425) 252-5188 | calroseins.com
Country Financial Financial, Insurance & Life Insurance Services
john.kapelac@countryfinancial.com (509) 228-9125
Leavitt Group Northwest
Michael Hufschmid (253) 929-4643 | leavitt.com
Madison Avenue Insurance Group Inc (206) 805-6244 | stacey@madisonaveins.com madisonaveins.com
CBRE - PNW Multifamily | Private Capital Group (206) 292-1600 | cbre.com
Echo Yard Maintenance (206) 909-6873
MTS Tree & Landscape (425) 369-8733 | mattstreeservice-llc.com becca@nwmts.com
ACRAnet
Lender, Mortgage & Screening
Cole Hockett | (509) 324-1350 | acranet.com
Lender, Mortgage & Screening
Cole Hockett | (509) 324-1350 cole.hockett@acranet.com
CrossCountry Mortgage LLC (206) 650-4041 | keane@keaneloans.com
CMG Home Loans
Eric Aasness (206) 915-3742 | eaasness@cmghomeloans.com cmghomeloans.com/mysite/eric-aasness
CPK Mortgage, Inc. (831) 682-5647 | cpkmortgage.com
Eastside Funding (425) 873-8873 | eastsidefunding.com
Darco Inc (206) 322-9495 | darcoapts.com
Extant Realty
Rachel Vinson (509) 251-2871 | rachel@extantrealty.com
Flynn Family Lending (833) 359-6648 | nghi@flynnfamilylending.com flynnfamilylending.com
GoodRoots Companies, Inc (480) 710-6074 | goodroots.io
Kidder Mathews
Dylan Simon: (206) 414-8575
Jerrid Anderson: (206) 499-8191 DylanSimon.com
Luther Burbank Savings Bank (425) 739-0023 lutherburbanksavings.com
Paragon Real Estate Advisors, Inc. Vendor of the Year | 2016 (206) 623-8880 | (800) 643-9871 paragonrea.com
Peak Mortgage Partners
Dave Eden (206) 660-3014 | peakmp.com
Ruston Investors, LLC (206) 713-5245 | deluxebargrill@comcast.net
Sound Realty Group
Charles Burnett, CCIM (206) 931-6036 | soundrealtygroup.com
Velocity 1031
Exchange - 1031 Real Estate (425) 247-3307 | velocity1031.com
Vacancy Services (253) 778-6373 | service@vacancyservices.com vacancyservices.com
Allied Property Experts (206) 717-5777 | apex-re.com
Jack W. Hanemann, P.S. (360) 357-3501 | Cody@hbjlaw.com | hbjlaw.com
Tacoma Housing Authority (253) 281-7674 | tacomahousing.net
Flynn Family Lending (833) 359-6648 | nghi@flynnfamilylending.com flynnfamilylending.com
Kidder Matthews Simon and Anderson Team (206) 747-4725 | dylansimon.com
Luther Burbank Savings Bank (425) 739-0023 | lutherburbanksavings.com
Pacific Crest Savings Bank
Todd M. Hull | Scott Gibson (425) 670-9624 | (800) 335-4126 pacificcrestbank.com
Peak Mortgage Partners
Dave Eden | (206) 660-3014 | peakmp.com WAFD Bank (206) 777-8213 | wafd.com tim.marymee@wafd.com
Downtown Locksmith (206) 571-1847 Lockanddroad.com
SnS Locks (206) 664-1209 | safeandsecurelocks@gmail.com
Maintenance
(206) 517-8000
mmuwa.com | info@mmuwa.com
Masonry Restoration Consulting (425) 344-3893 masonryrestorationconsulting.com
Pioneer Masonry Restoration Co. (206) 782-4331 | pioneermasonry.com
Envirotest
Mold, Air Quality Analysis, Inspections Donald B. Kronenberg (206) 877-3191 | seattlemoldandairquality.com
Disaster Response (208) 661-9890 | bwichman@teamdr.com teamdr.com
Maintenance Man Unlimited Seattle LLC (206) 517-8000 | mmuwa.com | info@mmuwa.com
Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204
erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com
Extreme Steam Carpet Cleaning (425) 330-9328 | extremesteamcc.com
FINNMARK Property Services (206) 418-8056 | alvinr@finnmarkps.com finnmarkps.com/about/
RODDA PAINT
Tim Puckett | (509) 868-3552 | roddapaint.com
Sherwin WIlliams (425) 495-4124 | sherwin.com
Prosite Pest Control raymond@prositepestcontrol.com (509) 925-5900 | prositepestcontrol.com
365 Plumbing (253)478-9298 | 365plumbingseattle.com
Danika Plumbing LLC Frank Gaborik frank.g@danikaplumbing.com (425) 335-3515 | danikaplumbing.com Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Vendor of the Year | 2020 (425) 775-6464 | (800) 972-7000 dayandnite.net
Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204 erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com
Lifetime Heating (425) 200-4999 | lifetimeheating.com clintw@lifetimeheating.com
The Drain Specialists Sewer & Septic Lines, Sinks, Bathtubs & Toilets (509) 467-5555 | ktwinston@me.com
Pacific Publishing Co. (206) 461-1322 | pacificpublishingcompany.com
Allen Property Management
Mike Larson | (253) 582-6111 800) 995-6111 | haroldallen.com
Bell-Anderson & Assoc., LLC, AMO (253)852-8195 | bell-anderson.net
Brink Property Management
Dean Foggitt | (425) 458-4848 | brinkpm.com
Capstone Commercial Real Estate Advisors
John Downing (206) 324-9427 | capstonerea.com
Cornell & Associates Inc (206) 329-0085 | cornellandassociates.com
Dave Poletti & Associates (206) 286-1100 | davepoletti.com
Dobler Management Company Inc. (253) 475-2405 | doblermanagement.com
Emerald Door Property Management (206) 992-7334 | emeralddoor.com
Foundation Group, LLC (206) 324-7622 | foundationgroupre.com
Icon Real Estate Services Inc.
Jeremiah Roberson (425) 633-3330 | iconre.org
Jean Vel Dyke Properties, LLC (206) 725-3103 | veldyke.com
Jevons Property Management
Enrique Jevons (206) 880-7935 | jevonsproperties.com
Krishna Realty (425) 209-0055 | krishna-realty.com
Longley Property Management Inc.
Venita Longley | (206) 937-3522 | longleypm.com
Madrona Real Estate Services, LLC
Bradford Augustine (206) 538-2950 | MadronaRealEstate.com
Maple Leaf Management LLC
Michelle Bannister (206) 850-8095 | mapleleafmgt.com
Nathaly Burnett Property Management (253) 732-9535 | beyondseattle.com
Next Brick Property Management (425) 372-7582
North Pacific Property Management
Joshua Fant | (206) 781-0186 | (800) 332-1032
northpacificpropertymanagement.com
Pacific Crest Real Estate (206) 812-9155 | pacificcrestre.com
Park 52 Property Management
Paul Jakeman | (253) 473-5200 | park52.com
People’s Real Estate, Inc.
Lisa Brannon | (425) 442-9941 | peoplespm.com
Pilot Ventures LLC | Property Management (206) 566-6600 | pilotnw.com
Prime Metropolis Properties, Inc
(425) 688-3003 | pmp1988.com
Prospector Property Management (206) 508-6366
prospectorpropertymanagement.com
Real Estate Investment Services (REIS)
Lakewood: (253) 207-5871
Seattle: (206) 319-5981 | REISinvest.com
Real Property Management Today (253) 426-1730 | rpmtoday.com
Renters Marketplace
Larry Cutting (425) 277-1500 | rentersmarketplace.com
Ruston Investors, LLC (206) 713-5245 | deluxebargrill@comcast.net
Seattle's Property Management (206) 856-6000 seattlespropertymanagement.com
Seattle Rental Group (206) 315-4628 | seattlerentalgroup.com
SJA Property Management (425) 658-1920 | sjapropertymanagement.com
TQ Handyman LLC
Trevor Rose: (206) 222-5129 trevor@tqhandyman.com
Viaclarity Inc (206) 853-1568 | divalerie1259@outlook.com
Weber & Associates Property Management (425) 745-5838
Westlake Associates
richk@westlakeassociates.com (206) 505-9400 | westlakeassociates.com
White Clover Properties (425) 230-6000 | whiteclover.org
Windermere Property Management / JMW Group (206) 621-2037 | windermere-pm.com
Windermere Property Management / WPM South, LLC
Ed Verdi (253) 638-9811 | wpmsouth.com
WPI Real Estate Services, Inc. (206) 522-8172 | wpirealestate.com
TurboTenant
Financial Services Platform | turbotenant.com (719) 966-736 | success@turbotenant.com
Allied Property Experts (206) 717-5777 | apex-re.com
Capstone Commercial Real Estate Advisors
John Downing (206) 324-9427 | capstonerea.com
Cornell & Associates Inc (206) 329-0085 cornellandassociates.com
Dave Poletti & Associates (206) 286-1100 | davepoletti.com
DVF Legacy Investments (206) 650-6113 | pugetsoundinvesting.com
Darco Inc (206) 322-9495 | darcoapts.com
Foundation Group, LLC (206) 324-7622 | foundationgroupre.com
GoodRoots Companies, Inc (480) 710-6074 | goodroots.io
Jean Vel Dyke Properties, LLC (206) 725-3103 | veldyke.com
Kidder Mathews
Dylan Simon: (206) 414-8575
Jerrid Anderson: (206) 499-8191
DylanSimon.com
Lee & Associates
Multifamily Team
Krishna Realty (425) 209-0055 | krishna-realty.com REAL
Candice Chevaillier (206) 284-1000 | lee-nw.com
Madrona Real Estate
Bradford Augustine (206) 538-2950 | MadronaRealEstate.com
McCue & Associates, Inc (425) 748-9902 | scott@mccueproperty.com
Next Brick Property Management (425) 372-7582
North Pacific Property Management (206) 781-0186 | (800) 332-1032 northpacificpropertymanagement.com
Paragon Real Estate Advisors, Inc.
Vendor of the Year | 2016 | paragonrea.com (206) 623-8880 | (800) 643-9871
Park 52 Property Management
Paul Jakeman | (253) 473-5200 | park52.com
People’s Real Estate, Inc. (425) 442-9941 | peoplespm.com
Prime Metropolis Properties, Inc (425) 688-3003 | pmp1988.com
Real Estate Investment Services (REIS) Lakewood: (253) 207-5871 Seattle: (206) 319-5981 | REISinvest.com
SJA Property Management (425) 658-1920 | sjapropertymanagement.com
Sound Reatly Group
Charles Burnett, CCIM (206) 931-6036 | soundmultifamily.com
Westlake Associates richk@westlakeassociates.com (206) 505-9400 | westlakeassociates.com
Windermere - Nadine Woodward (509) 251-9900 | nadinew@windermere.com windermere.com/directory/agents/nadinewoodward
Windermere Real Estate Commercial Therasa Alston | (206) 650-4777
WPI Real Estate Services, Inc. (206) 522-8172 x105 | wpirealestate.com
Ideal Inspection Services LLC
Olympic Estate Group, LLC
G.A. “Jeri” Schuhmann (206) 799-0544 jerischuhmann1@gmail.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Axis Roof and Gutter, Inc. (360) 653-ROOF(7663) axisroofandgutter.com
Bravo Roofing, Inc.
GoldStar Vendor + Vendor of the Year | 2014 John Paust, Estimator: (206) 948-5280 (253) 335-4825 | (360) 886-2193 john@bravoroofs.com
RRIO Certified + Licensed Inspector (206) 930-0264 | idealinspectionservice.com Seattle Rental Inspection Services (RRIO) (206) 854-0390 seattlerentalinspectionservices.com
Bio Clean, Inc. rtoles@biocleanwa.com (425) 754-9369 | biocleanwa.com
Conservice (866) 947-7379 | conservice.com Guardian Water & Power Chris Apostolos | guardianwp.com (206) 271-6913 | (877) 291-3141 x139
Denise Myers | Education + Resources Director | dmyers@RHAwa.org | (206) 905-0614
RHAWA provides many different notice forms, each for different purposes, some with variations for many different local jurisdictions. Because of local law variations and practices, RHAWA highly recommends working with an attorney before serving any notice related to ending a tenancy or related to a confrontation with a tenant.
When serving any notice, count the day of service as day zero, and add five (5) additional days whenever the notice must be mailed. After the one or 6 days (s) for service, begin counting the days required for the particular notice that was served. End of Term and Tenancy notices must align with the end of a monthly period or the end of the fixed term.
(See "Serving Notices" info-graphic on next page.)
• Mailing alone is NEVER sufficient. While mailing is not required if you can place a copy in the hand of each tenant, it is still recommended by attorneys in many cases.
• Mailed copies must be mailed from the county in which the rental property is located prior to July 27, 2025. After that, they can be mailed from anywhere in Washington State.
• Prior to July 27, 2025, only USPS First-Class Mail satisfies the legal requirement. As of July
27, 2025, only USPS Certified Mail meets the legal requirement
• When mailing a notice between May 1, 2025, and July 26th, 2025, the best practice would be to mail two copies to each tenant, one via First Class Mail and one via Certified Mail.
• When attorneys are serving notices for eviction cases, they are very likely to take extra steps rather than have a case thrown out because their service method was put into question. For this reason, many are planning to continue mailing First-Class in addition to Certified because it is likely that a tenant may never sign for and never receive certified mail.
• Other types of mail service may be required in addition to the above by the terms of your lease or federal/local law, or some equivalent. (Not required by the RHAWA lease.)
Although not required in any statute, it is a common best practice to serve/mail an extra copy of the notice and include the phrase “All Other Occupants” with the list of known adult occupants at the top of the notice form. RHAWA notice forms include this phrase under the line where the names are entered. This practice covers a common situation where a person moves in with a group of tenants without informing the housing provider. If they are not named in the notice, it can really set you back in a legal proceeding, like an eviction or dispute over rent.
Preferably on the same day of service, the person who served the notice must complete the Declaration of Service form (found under the Tenant Notices section of the RHAWA Service Instructions and Declaration of Service) as follows:
• Indicate the date the notice was served,
• Indicate the type of notice served,
• Indicate the manner of service,
• Indicate any type of mailing that was used,
• Sign and date the declaration,
• Indicate the place (city) where the declaration is signed.
Retain the Declaration of Service with a copy of the notice as proof of service of any notice served.
• If serving a rent increase in person, have each tenant sign the receipt included in the RHAWA Rent Increase notice form.
• USPS Certificate of mailing. (Proof of mailing only, different than "Certified.")
• Photos of all the addressed envelopes.
• Photo of notice posted on the door.
• A selfie of you standing at the door (geo-stamped and time-stamped).
• Email follow-up with tenants recapping your meeting with them.
Formal legal advice and review are recommended prior to the selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.
Complete form and for each person listed at the top of the notice, make 1 copy to leave at residence and 1 or 2 copies to mail. *
“All other occupants” is optional. **
REQUIRED | OPTIONAL
• Abandonment
• Abandoned Property
• Default (Pay, Comply, or Quit)
• End of Term (any type)
• End of Tenancy with Cause
• Entry to Premises
• Rent Increase (5/7, HB 1217)
• Rules or Management Change
Place 1 copy in hand of each resident + 1 extra.
1
Mailing to each resident is OPTIONAL.
Give copy for each resident to 1 person of reasonable age.
Post conspicuously on the front door.
3
Mailing to each resident is REQUIRED.
Always complete “Declaration of Service” form the same day and keep on file with original notice and any other proof of service.
Before 7/27, First Class Mail from within the County is the law.
Mailing to each resident is REQUIRED.
* RHAWA highly recommends both types of mail, until 7/27/2025, possibly beyond.
** Extra set for “all other occupants” recommended to cover anyone else who might be living there. On 7/27, Certified Mail from within WA is the law (HB 1003). 2
Corey Hjalseth | External Affairs Manager | chjalseth@RHAwa.org | (206) 905-0603
Mayor Ferrell is currently running for his third term in the top job for the city of Federal Way. Ferrell helped oversee the cities change from a “weak mayor” system where the mayor is appointed by the city council and serves more as a council chair role with shared authority and powers with the city council, to a “strong mayor” city where the mayor functions much more like a governor or president where they have certain executive powers and authorities and they also posses veto powers for anything the city council chooses to pass. Mayor Ferrell helped usher in the change of government in 2009 before being elected the second “strong mayor” of Federal Way in 2013.
Mayor Ferrel has always been a big supporter of RHAWA membership and working to craft policies that help our members in his city. He attended the University of Washington for his undergraduate degree before heading off to Spokane to attend Gonzaga School of Law, after which he spent some time working in the prosecutor’s office for King County. Ferrell and his wife, Wendy, have been a part of the Federal Way community for thirty years and raised their son, who is now heading off to college.
What do you view as your major accomplishments during your time as mayor?
"Our downtown was a donut hole. It was empty, it was blighted. Where Town Square Park is now, when I was first running the old movie theater, the AMC North movie theater was abandoned. And not just that, there was a cyclone fence around those four acres around the parking lot and the old building, and there was a pile of rubble and steel, rebar, and knocked down cement about 20 feet tall in the middle of this acre,” Farrel says. “So now if you go there, anybody you know that goes through right away, you know that movie theater site we built, Town Square Park. We've got a Splash Park on a place where we gather a huge grass field, a covered area for picnics,
a playground, and now a $32 million performing arts and event center that's nearly completely paid for.”
If you attended the recent RHAWA Housing Provider Workshop in Federal Way, you enjoyed the event center that the mayor was talking about.
Additionally, this area will soon have a light rail station available and an upcoming multi-purpose transit-oriented development.
What are some of your plans for housing and commercial infrastructure if re-elected?
Where we're going to have the mixed use, retail down below, residential above, those are more market, the housing units that are going to be associated with the train are probably going to be more affordable units.
– Mayor, Jim Ferrell
“So, light rail is going to be finished in the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of next year. We're in negotiations with Sound Transit for a development agreement for what looks like housing, maybe a public market, maybe some public spaces immediately contiguous to where the station is, the former Target site, is going to start coming out of the ground, hopefully in the very first part of my next term. Where we're going to have the mixed use, retail down below, residential above, those are more market, the housing units that are going to be associated with the train are probably going to be more affordable units.”
Speaking of the light rail and transit, Ferrell spoke about the tremendous impact that next year’s upcoming FIFA World Cup will have on the City of
Continued on page 32
Bruce Davis, Sr. | Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, Inc. | 2020 Vendor Member of the Year
Since going through the COVID-19 Pandemic, we’re all hyper-aware/sensitive about our health and the health of those near us, our family, and our co-workers. And if you are reading this article, it’s likely that you are in the role that makes or guides the decisions and choices about items that can directly affect how healthy our living and work environment is.
Many, many things we have no control over in these times; but there are a couple of things we can affect positively; The indoor air quality of where we live and work, and the vendors/subcontractors that we choose to come into contact with.
If your properties have any type of conventional ‘Central Air’, then there are filters and Air Purifiers, and Humidifiers that can greatly enhance the quality of the air we breathe. Generally, the equipment that is installed on a property is often pretty basic and was installed with, or at the same time, as the original unit. Although Humidifiers are most common in the drier areas of the country, higher-quality air filters and air purifiers are becoming more and more common in homes and workplaces.
We always recommend a high-quality air filter on every central air system, and we always recommend that an Air Purifier be seriously considered, especially if the occupants are at risk due to respiratory health issues, allergies, or are 60+ years old.
• A good Air Filter we recommend is a simple 4” to 5” wide Media Air Filter, and the replaceable filter can be made from several things depending on what filtration is needed; anything from a simple particulate unit to a Carbon Unit to a high-quality HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) Filter for ultra-filtration. It should be changed every 1 to 6 months, depending on the occupants and environment.
• The standard 1” or 2” particulate filters that come with the equipment
hardly filter much at all, and we don’t recommend them.
• Over the years, we have found that the Electronic Air Filters don’t end up protecting the consumer very well, because almost no one seems to maintain them (wash them) often enough; an average family with one pet would need to service it at least monthly.
Along with a good Media Air Filter, an Air Purifier offers an additional level of protection that more and more people want. There are several air purifiers that do a reasonable job on various types of contaminants. In my home and office, we have a unit called the RGF Reme-Halo Air Purifier. I like it because instead of using strong Ozone or UV lights, when it’s on it disperses an Oxidation ‘Plasma’, consisting of Ionized Hydro-peroxides, which are more ‘friendly’. Because after the oxidation of the pollutant (bacteria, virus, VOCs, odors, smoke, etc), it reverts back to oxygen and hydrogen.
• RGF REMI-Halo Commercial Applications, Oct 2016, 1:31 youtube.com/watch?v=Ke54GtDaarQandfeature=emb_rel_end
• RGF REM-Halo LED Complete Overview, with technical details, Nov 2019, 3:09 youtube.com/ watch?v=wa3nomhaDqY
Both the good quality Air Filters and Air Purifiers are available anywhere in North America, but I strongly recommend that a HVAC professional install the units, so that the whole system can be considered and best utilized.
Vendors and Sub-contractors
Service Plumbing and HVAC are Essential Service Providers, and all companies providing services in homes and offices should be practicing careful, thorough protocols to protect themselves and their customers during this time…and you should be able to see what they are doing online before they come out to work. Some things that should be considered are…
• Daily screening of technicians for
fever and/or any signs of sickness, and no one displaying any can work and go to a client’s home or office.
• Through disinfecting of all items used on every job before going to the next one.
• Wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment during service.
• Practicing ‘no physical contact’ with clients using ‘no contact’ greeting methods.
• Maintaining minimum social distancing at all times, and/or offering no-contact procedures if the client would prefer. Whatever distancing the client prefers should be honored, with the CDC guidelines as a minimum.
• Hand washing often and properly.
• Hand sanitizer is used often and properly.
• Completely sanitizing ‘shareduse’ items like tablets, recommending clients use personal pens.
• Utilizing digital solutions everywhere possible for all necessary documentation: contracts,
work-orders, work-authorizations, receipts, etc.
As always, job one is the health and safety of our families, co-workers, and tenants. The quality of the environment inside our properties is something we can and should control. I’m hoping the information I’ve shared will help you to that end.
Bruce Davis, Sr. is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber, Licensed Electrician, HVAC/R Electrical Administrator, HVAC/R ,and Certified WA State C.E.U. Instructor. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating, Inc has been in Lynnwood serving Snohomish and N. King County for over 68-years, and Bruce Sr. has been President and working at this family-owned business for 36-years. Bruce can be contacted at: Email: Bruce@dayandnite.net. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating Inc. 16614 13 Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98037, (800) 972-7000.
New Law Changes Notice Rules
anymore?” But then we looked at our tenants—many of them are families who have been with us for years. Some have stayed five years, even ten. We’ve had very little turnover. The business is still profitable. And we’re not going to walk away from either the return on our investment or the people we serve.
We have group homes. We rent through the Spokane Housing Authority. We’ve partnered with World Relief. Honestly, part of the reward in this business is knowing you’re helping people build a better life. That’s why we’re still doing it. When things get politically heated or emotionally exhausting, we come back to the core of what we do: the landlord-tenant relationship. That’s where we find clarity. Our tenants are worth it. So we’re staying.
I understand that if you only have one or two properties, a single bad experience can feel devastating. But I’d encourage people to step back from the emotion, look at their numbers, and ask, “Can this still be profitable? Am I still serving my tenants well?” For many, the answer will be yes. And staying in the business will be the right decision.
That said, I do recognize that it’s harder for some, especially those who own multifamily properties. The challenges continue to grow. But for those with single-family rentals, there’s often more flexibility and long-term security, especially with the potential resale value. That can be a real buffer in difficult times.
Daniel Klemme:
You’ve sat across the table from city council members, state lawmakers, advocacy groups, even people and organizations that have supported policies we’ve opposed. For RHAWA members who want to start showing up—whether at city or county meetings, housing coalitions, or homelessness task forces—what kind of message do you think actually cuts through and makes an impact? What do you think works when advocating for your business and your community?
Steve Corker:
To me, the most important factor in
being able to engage with people who challenge our industry—whether it’s the tenant union, certain social agencies, or even elected leaders—is finding common ground. What we do have in common is that we all want to keep people housed. That’s where the conversation should start.
Humility and humanity go a long way. This is a personal business. People’s lives—financial, medical, and emotional—are all tied up in housing. If you can enter a conversation with empathy while still advocating for balance and accountability, you’ll be far more effective.
We need to help people get back on their feet. That’s what housing stability should mean. It’s not about creating permanent subsidies, but about building a bridge—like unemployment insurance that gives people the support they need to regain footing. That said, we also have to acknowledge the limits of the system. Some individuals facing drug or alcohol addiction don’t even recognize their own crisis, and that makes it harder for everyone.
One of the most frustrating things I heard during the Camp Hope debate was when some service providers said, “We have no expectations for these individuals—we’re just helping them survive.” But that isn’t enough. Organizations like Union Gospel Mission understood that. We have to go beyond survival. We need to help people recover, and that often requires accountability, structure, and sometimes even institutional care.
What allowed me to stay in those rooms and continue engaging—even with people I disagreed with, was showing that I understood the humanity of this crisis. The tenant union and I had each other’s phone numbers. We didn’t always agree, but we knew where each other stood, and we kept talking. That’s what it takes. I can’t say they always listened, but I know they heard me.
Daniel Klemme:
That’s great. I’ve got one more for you. We’ve got members of all ages at RHAWA, and some folks are even starting to hand their properties off to
their kids. So, for those just starting out—whether they’re new to the business or inheriting rental properties—do you have a message or any practical advice for people who are brand new to being a housing provider?
Steve Corker:
My first piece of advice is to minimize your liabilities. If you’re just starting out, especially with a single-family home or small apartment, avoid taking on heavy mortgage obligations unless you’re absolutely sure you have the financial backing to weather the challenges. This industry can be unpredictable, and the pressure is real.
Second, diversify. Don’t focus solely on the high-end market, and don’t focus only on the lowest-income segments. Try to serve multiple parts of the market, including the lower third of renters. It’s just like investing—they tell you not to put all your money into stocks, or gold, or real estate. The same principle applies here. Diversify your rental portfolio when you can.
And finally, be patient and plan carefully. Financial planning is crucial, especially if you intend to grow. You need the right people doing the right things. Most businesses don’t fail because the product or service is bad—they fail for financial reasons, or because the team didn’t execute properly. So take the time to do your homework, stay organized, and if you’re going to commit to being in this business, treat it like a real business from the very beginning.
Daniel Klemme:
I think that’s a great note to end on. And Steve, you’ve had a pretty amazing career. As an RHAWA Regent and the former president of the Landlord Association before the merger, I’d love for you to share just a little bit about your experience, so readers can get to know the history behind your name. This is a great opportunity for folks to learn more about your journey.
Steve Corker:
Well, first of all, I came out of poverty, but from a very loving home. I don’t think I even realized we were poor until I was around eight, when a friend came over and had ice cream on a weekday.
I asked my parents, “Do people have dessert on days other than weekends?” That’s when it clicked.
But I was raised by a village. It wasn’t just my parents. It was the Boy Scouts, our church, a children’s hospital that saved my life, and a great university that gave me an education. None of those were government. They were community institutions saying, “If you work hard, your life can be different.”
At that university, I learned how to adapt. I was a slow reader, but they didn’t call me stupid. They put me in a speed reading course. I went from 200 words a minute to 2,000. That one skill allowed me to thrive in an age of information overload. I remember the president of the university saying, “Someday, you’ll hold all the world’s knowledge in your hand.” And here we are. The real challenge now is knowing what to do with it all.
I’ve had four careers: one trying to save the world, one traveling it through the airline industry, one building a business to support my family, and one in public service. I was prepared for each of them because I never feared change—I welcomed it.
I also spent 35 years teaching. Having a constant stream of young people in my life made me believe in the future. And now, at 84, I’m living with a wonderful woman who’s 88, and we’re still trying to make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren.
People sometimes ask, “Why are you still involved in this work?” And I tell them, because this is where my kids and grandkids are going to live. Do you think I’m going to walk away from being a responsible parent and grandparent?
Hell no.
Continued from page 11
With the unfortunate passage of the rent control bill, Engrossed House Bill 1217, I asked Kristi how she envisions a policy like rent caps, in conjunction with many of the other bothersome housing policies, will affect the future of residential and commercial growth in Issaquah and the rest of the state.
“Over the past several years, our plan had been to develop a 200-plus multifamily property here on the valley floor because our community needs more housing. Once we were going to get the pump station done, build that property, but we were also very hesitant because every year, with the threat of rent control, was a year that we didn't feel comfortable building, because it is very expensive to develop. It takes a lot of time. And then if you care about your property in your community, you want to make sure that one, you can sustain that property, you can sustain the housing.”
Rowley Properties has owned a great deal of their holdings for over fifty years, as they wanted to be a part of community growth and stay in the community. The newly passed rent control bill exempts newly built properties from the rent control law for the first twelve years of occupancy, but if a company like Rowley Properties is in it for the long haul to grow and change with the community, 40+ years of caps after the exemption has expired is something tough to consider when running a business and considering future growth.
For my full interview with Kristi Tripple, check out the Housing Matters podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer your podcast with video, check out the RHAWA YouTube Channel for full video of every episode of Housing Matters, along with a lot of other great rental housing industry content.
Continued from page 31
Federal Way as avid soccer fans look for alternatives to traffic and highcost parking for all of next summer’s matches.
“They keep talking about the FIFA World Cup and it's gotta be done by then. I've taken a lot of tours and Sound Transit's done a really good job. The stations built, the infrastructure is being built there. This is really, I gotta tell you, we're ready. I think this is going to add about 25,000 cars per day to our downtown.”
What are some improvements you have made to public safety?
I think we've really changed the direction and the staffing, and the priority of law enforcement and public safety. When I was first elected mayor, we had about 124 officers. We had stumbled back because of the Great Recession, you know, and we had been up to 136 at one point during those years. Now we're up to 154
budget officers. We've added 17 new officers just in the past two years, new officers’ positions that are fully budgeted, and we did that without raising a dollar in taxes.
Last question, are you concerned about the recent passage of the rent control bill at the state legislature?
“Well, I'm looking at it. I'm thinking it's something that I need to be, you know, cognizant of it. I think that, unfortunately, things like this, you know, there was the ADU bill that got passed a few years ago. I think that there's not a lot of awareness out in the community about some of these things that are coming in, and that we're certainly, you know, mindful of that.”
Check out JimFerrell.org for more information about Mayor Ferrell and some of his other goals if elected to another term.
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Learn more about EGH and how you can help at eghseattle.org. Thank you. Special pricing for RHAWA members AND $100 donation toward EGH with paid re-roof contract!
Contact John Paust for more information:
Operating rental housing in Washington without the right knowledge is risky, costly, and potentially devastating. One missed law. One wrong form. That’s all it takes.
RHAWA Academy offers the only housing education in Washington that’s built by experts, for housing providers—lighting the path to compliance. Your membership unlocks FREE courses on local laws, tenant screening, leasing tools, and more. And when you’re ready to go deeper, we’ve got live sessions, certificates, and a full ONDEMAND course library to back you up.
Because knowing the rules isn’t a luxury — it’s how smart housing providers stay in business.
Get trained. Stay compliant. Operate with confidence. ONLY AT RHAWA ACADEMY.
For questions about the Academy, please contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL:
has been a wonderful advocate for rental housing providers in Seattle. Nelson has worked on policy to encourage housing development and a continual effort to reform rental housing policy to support our membership in fulfilling their mission of providing housing. Councilmember Nelson needs our continued support to move Seattle in a positive direction.
The RHA Political Action Committee (RHAPAC) strives to help elect lawmakers that are not afraid to work hard in the proverbial engine room to grind the gears and turn the ship of Washington in a better direction for rental housing policy. All the above candidates will move to their cities and, in so doing, also move our state towards a more positive environment for housing supply and regulations on housing providers.
BELLEVUE CITY COUNCIL:
has been a great friend to RHAWA and has been supportive of many different types of housing issues in Bellevue. He has supported housing providers with expanding housing options in Bellevue, to advocating for a housing provider who went two and a half years without receiving rent from a tenant. Nieuwenhuis has spoken at several RHAWA events, including our ENGAGE conference, and understands the struggles Washington housing providers are facing.
MAYOR OF TACOMA:
has been an ally of RHAWA for his numerous years on the city council and has advocated for smart and pragmatic housing solutions in the City of Tacoma. He was an outspoken critic of Measure 1 during the 2023 election season and has also been a speaker at RHAWA Link Meetings and other events. If elected, we believe Hines would continue his drive for smart housing solutions for the entire City of Destiny.
SPOKANE CITY COUNCIL:
is one of only two members of the Spokane City Council remaining who understand our membership issues and goals. Bingle thinks of pragmatic ways to combat housing supply and how to assist housing providers in being able to run their business in a city that seems to regularly bring forward onerous rental housing policy. Bingle will continue to work hard for our Spokane area members.